CBS centre receives prestigious grant for research in energy flexibility and sustainable energy systems

The grants allow us to host two new international PhDs working on the topics of consumer flexibility and the integration of microgrids into energy systems

- Philipp A. Ostrowicz, CSEI Coordinator.

We know Marie Curie from our history lessons and natural science. A pioneer in the field of radioactivity, the Polish-born French scientist received two Nobel Prizes and became the first female professor at Sorbonne University in France. More than 150 years after her birth, one of EU's most prestigious programmes has been named after her: The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). Two research projects from the Copenhagen School of Energy Infrastructure (CSEI) have been awarded the much-coveted grants from the MSCA Doctoral Networks programmes, which will fund PhD studies in international research networks.

"The grants allow us to host two new international PhDs working on the topics of consumer flexibility and the integration of microgrids into energy systems," says Philipp A. Ostrowicz, CSEI Coordinator.

PhD networks enhance collaboration between universities and organisations across Europe

The aim of the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme is to create PhD networks that connect universities and organisations across Europe leading to excellent research that translates into action. CSEI, who conducts research in energy infrastructure from an economic policy point-of-view, considers the grants and being part of the two consortia a unique opportunity to do research that enables societal change. Philipp A. Ostrowicz says:
"Being part of these two excellent European consortia provides CSEI and CBS with outstanding possibilities of industry and research cooperation that not only leads to excellent research outcomes but directly enables societal change with regard to the green transition."

Two new research projects

The grant money will be spent on two specific research projects, CoDeF and IDEAL4GREEN.

The CoDeF project is dedicated to training innovative researchers who want to take the lead in addressing the challenges posed by consumer energy flexibility. The project recognises that consumers play a pivotal role in achieving carbon neutrality. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this network will deliver integrated research outcomes that inform energy policy and drive societal change. CoDeF focuses on behavioural change, demand response interventions and market mechanisms to facilitate flexible consumer demand. The research will also evaluate the impact of consumer energy flexibility on emissions, the energy system and society at large.

The IDEAL4GREEN project tackles urgent global challenges related to climate change and the transition towards sustainable energy systems through the development and integration of microgrids, which play a critical role in managing the variability of renewable energy resources and achieving decarbonisation targets. The project contributes to the EU commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 by empowering energy communities and optimising local supply and demand. The IDEAL4GREEN project will focus on microgrid planning, design and operation through mechanisms for microgrid islanding and reconnection as well as the planning, policy and economic feasibility of interconnected grids and microgrids.